Meet Canadian Grocer's 2018 Star Women Award winners

From a store manager to a senior VP of sales, here’s a look at the 19 women we’re celebrating this year

David Brown and Rebecca Harris

6/26/2018

One was an elementary school teacher who went on to start a chain of natural food stores. Another is a trained chef-turned-entrepreneur who launched a successful healthy snack company, while yet another oversees a billion-dollar portfolio at one of the country’s major CPG companies. These are just a few of the outstanding women among our 2018 Star Women winners.

In its seventh year, Canadian Grocer’s Star Women awards recognize exceptional women who demonstrate influence, innovation, dedication and leadership in the grocery business. From the store level to the c-suite on both the retail and manufacturer sides, these women are shaping and redefining the Canadian grocery business at a dynamic, rapidly-changing time for the industry.

Nominated by industry members and chosen by Canadian Grocer editors and a panel of past winners, we are proud to introduce this year’s impressive group of 19 Star Women.

Julie Bednarski, president & founder, The Healthy Crunch Company
Cynthia Beretta, founder, Beretta Farms
Nicole Bleiwas, former vice-president of insights and marketing, Flipp Corporation
Lynn Caiger, senior category and shopper insights team lead, Unilever Canada
Lyne Castonguay, executive vice-president of store experience, Sobeys
Tebbie Chuchla, head of marketing, Conagra Brands
Jacqueline Craig, director, risk management and food safety, Save-On-Foods (Overwaitea Food Group)
Janet Jacks, founder, Goodness Me! Natural Food Market
Sierra Johnston, store manager, Save-On-Foods, Yorkton, Sask.
Josianne Légaré, senior vice-president of sales, A. Lassonde
Tammy MacPhee, district operator, Sobeys
Caroline Nadeau, vice-president of sales, Coca-Cola Canada
Melissa Pryszlak, director, logistics & engineering, Metro Ontario
Alicia Samuel, director, IT business solutions, Longo Brothers Fruit Markets
Julie Sirois, director of business development, PepsiCo Foods Canada
Cheryl Smith, general manager, cheese & tablespreads, fine cheese & yogourt, Parmalat Canada
Dana Somerville, vice-president and head of brand build, innovation and R&D, Kraft Heinz Canada
Annette Woodhead, founder, Blind Bay Village Grocer
Chris Yu, manager, marketing and merchandising, Galleria Supermarket

Click here to read the full profiles of the 2018 winners.

And, join us in celebrating our 2018 winners at the Star Women Awards Breakfast in Toronto on Sept. 25. Tickets on sale now!

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